Any scientific theory or hypothesis must be proved first possible,
then probable, then certain. To be a possible theory, it must be
reconcilable with many facts; to be a probable theory, it must be
reconcilable with many more; to be a certain and proven theory, it
must be reconcilable with _all_ the facts. Whenever it is
irreconcilable with _any_ fact, it should be rejected, as it can
not be a true theory. Every true theory passes through these three
stages,--possibility, probability, and certainty. A theory is not
science, until it is certainly true, and so becomes knowledge. The
evolution of man from the brute is in the throes of a desperate
struggle to show that it may possibly be a true theory or
hypothesis. Yet some who are ready to admit that they are
"scientists," claim evolution a proven theory.
If it can be shown possible for man to have descended or ascended from
the lower animals, it will require enormous additional evidence to
show that such descent is probable; and still much more to make it
certain.
Every scientific theory, proposed as _possible_, is reconcilable
with some facts. Otherwise, it would not have been considered for a
moment. Many false hypotheses have been proposed, and accepted as
possible and even probable, because reconcilable with some facts. The
Ptolemaic theory of the universe, making the earth the centre, around
which the heavens revolved in great concentric spheres, was accepted
for 1400 years from A. D. 140, because it explained many things. It
corresponded with appearances. It appealed to all. Its advocates had
great difficulty in reconciling it with the motions of the planets,
which were therefore called planets or "wanderers." But in time the
Copernican theory prevailed, because it was reconcilable with all the
facts. The evidence is so abundant that all claim it the true
theory. It is science. It is knowledge.
Because the Copernican hypothesis, the true theory of the universe,
was opposed and rejected, it does not follow that the evolution of man
is true because it is likewise opposed and rejected. If this new
theory, hypothesis, or guess stands, it can only do so, because it
harmonizes with all the facts. The law of gravitation, and every other
proven theory harmonizes with all the facts and with all other true
theories.
It will be shown in this book, that a large number of facts can not be
reconciled with evolution, especially the evolution of man, thus
proving that it can not be a true theory. We really have a right to
demand the proof of a theory, and to refuse consent until
proved. While we are under no obligation to _disprove_ an
unproven theory, yet it is the shortest way to settle the matter once
for all, before it has led multitudes more astray, and wrecked the
faith and hopes of the young.
Prof. H. H. Newman, in his "Readings in Evolution," p. 57, says,
"Reluctant as we may be to admit it, honesty compels the evolutionist
to admit that there is no absolute proof of organic evolution." "If
all the facts are in accord with it, and none are found that are
incapable of being reconciled with it, a working hypothesis is said to
have been advanced to a proven theory." Note this admission by a
leading evolutionist.
Even if it should ever be proved that all plant and animal life came
by evolution from one primordial germ, it would not follow that either
the body or the soul of man came by evolution. All the arguments
against evolution in general are valid against the evolution of man.
In addition, there are many other arguments, that prove the evolution
of man impossible, even if the evolution of plants and animals should
ever be proved possible.
In this volume, the claim is made that the evolution of man is
irreconcilable with a large number of facts. If investigation proves
that we have erred in any statement of facts, or if our reasoning in
any one argument or more is fallacious, we will not lose our case, as
long as evolution remains irreconcilable with any other single
fact. If every argument in this book were invalid, save one, that one
valid argument would overthrow evolution, since every true theory must
be reconcilable with all the facts. One irreconcilable fact is
sufficient to overthrow evolution. And there are many!